Service Procedure

SPECIAL NOTE:
Less than 20 vehicles within the entire vehicle population will have a rivet issue.

A. Inspect Steering Column Pivot Rivets

1. For KA/KK models, remove the fiber hush panel under the steering column.





2. Looking upward under the instrument panel on the driver's side, inspect the steering column pivot rivets (Figure 1):

NOTE:
For JK/JC/RT models, use a mirror to assist in inspecting the rivets.





> If the rivet head is flush to the bracket and the backside of the rivet is mushroomed, the rivet is good (Figure 2). No further action is required.

NOTE:
For KA/KK models, install the fiber hush panel removed in Step 1.

> If the rivet head is not flush and/or the backside of the rivet is not mushroomed or only partially mushroomed, the rivet(s) must be replaced (Figure 3). Continue with Section B. - Rivet Replacement.

B. Rivet Replacement

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

2. For 7S models only, remove the center console.

3. For 7S/RT models only, remove and save the instrument panel end cap.

4. Remove the knee bolster trim panel.

5. Remove the knee bolster.





6. For 7C vehicles only, reach into the instrument panel and from the backside of the left panel vent, depress the release tabs to remove the left panel vent (Figure 4).





7. For JC vehicles only, remove the center trim bezel (Figure 5).

8. For JC/RT vehicles only, tilt the steering column to its full down position and unsnap the steering column gap hider.

9. For JC vehicles only, remove and save the knee blocker airbag.

10. For JC/RT vehicles only, remove and save the steering column lower shroud.

11. Remove and save the steering column retaining fasteners.

12. Carefully lower the steering column and angle the column as required to gain access to the pivot rivets.





13. Place a magnet on or near the rivet head being drilled to catch the metal shavings created during the rivet head drilling process (Figure 6).

14. Using a 5/16� drill bit, drill out the rivet head (Figure 6).

CAUTION:
Drill just deep enough to remove the rivet head. Drilling beyond the rivet head could damage the bushing located under the rivet head.

15. Carefully remove the shaving covered magnet.





16. Using a small punch and hammer, carefully drive out the remaining body of the rivet (Figure 7).





17. Using power rivet gun W-AK175ACH or equivalent, install the new rivet (Figure 8).

18. Repeat steps 13 through 17 if the second rivet requires replacement.

19. Place the steering column into position and install the steering column retaining fasteners. Tighten all steering column retaining fasteners to 21 ft. lbs. (28 N.m).

20. For JC vehicles only, install the knee blocker airbag.

21. For JC/RT vehicles only, with the steering column to its full down position, snap the steering column gap hider into position.

22. For JC/RT vehicles only, install the steering column lower shroud.

22. For JC vehicles only, install the center trim bezel.

23. For JC vehicles only, install the left panel vent.

24. Install the knee bolster.

25. Install the knee bolster trim panel.

26. For JS/RT models only, install the instrument panel end cap.

27. For KA/KK models only, install the fiber hush panel under the steering column.

28. For JS models only, install the center console.

29. Connect the negative battery cable.